Tired of getting ignored on LinkedIn? So is everyone else. Text-based outreach blends into the noise, especially when inboxes are overflowing.
That’s where LinkedIn voice messages come in. They add tone, warmth, and a human touch without taking longer to send. In this guide, you’ll learn how they work, why they’re effective, and how to use them in a smart, scalable way.
What are LinkedIn voice messages, and why are they unique?
A LinkedIn voice message is a short audio note sent through LinkedIn’s messaging feature. It’s capped at 60 seconds and only works with first-degree connections. You’ll need the LinkedIn app on your phone to send one, as this feature isn’t available on desktop.
Voice messages stand out because most people rely on text. A voice note cuts through the noise. It adds tone, energy, and personality. This is the kind of human element that’s hard to fake… and even harder to ignore.
Here are the key features of LinkedIn voice messaging:
- Mobile only: You can only send them via the LinkedIn mobile app (iOS or Android).
- Time limit: Each message is capped at 60 seconds.
- Connection required: You must be connected to the person to send a voice note.
- No editing: Once you lift your finger, it sends. No previews, no retakes (unless you swipe away).
How to send LinkedIn voice messages manually
Sending voice notes on LinkedIn is quick and easy, but there is one catch. It only works on mobile. If you haven’t already, download the LinkedIn mobile app before you start.
1. Accessing the messaging feature on LinkedIn mobile
Open the LinkedIn mobile app on your smartphone. Tap the messaging icon at the bottom of the screen to see your inbox.
To start a new message, tap the plus (+) icon and search for a first-degree connection.
LinkedIn voice messages only work with people you’re already connected to.
2. Recording and sending a voice note on LinkedIn
Once you’ve opened a conversation, look for the microphone icon next to the text box. That’s your voice message button.
To record a LinkedIn voice message:
- Tap and hold the microphone button to start recording.
- Speak clearly while holding the button.
- Release to send.
You’ll see a prompt asking if you want to send the message. You can confirm or choose to skip this step in future.
Heads up: There’s no preview or editing. Once you release the voice message icon, the recording is sent. If you made a mistake, just slide your finger away before releasing to cancel.
3. Confirming delivery and follow-ups
After sending, your voice message appears in the chat as a small audio player on both your phone and desktop views. There’s no way to know if it has been listened to, as LinkedIn doesn’t display that information.
If you don’t hear back within a few days, you can follow up with a brief text. Even something as simple as “Just checking if you had a chance to listen to my voice note” can nudge the conversation forward.
Why LinkedIn voice messaging boosts your response rate
Voice messages can achieve a response rate of up to 40% on LinkedIn. That’s nearly 3x higher than the average 10–15% response rate for text-based LinkedIn messages.
This is because voice messages do what text can’t:
- They sound genuinely human.
- They cut through the noise.
- They make people feel like you actually care.
- They share a hint of your personality.
Here’s how the formats compare for your LinkedIn outreach strategy.
| Text messages | Voice messages |
|---|---|
| Easy to skim and ignore | Require full attention to listen |
| Often look templated | Each one feels unique |
| Tone is hard to read | Enthusiasm and sincerity come through |
| Get lost in crowded inboxes | Visually stand out from the crowd |
| 10-15% response rate | 40% response rate |
LinkedIn voice messaging tactics that generate 3x more responses
1. Personalizing each intro
You can’t send the same voice note to everyone. And that’s the whole point. Impactful voice messages start with something specific about the person. They show you’ve done your homework, and that this isn’t just another cold message.
Good details to mention in your LinkedIn voicemail could be:
- A recent post they shared
- A new role or work anniversary
- A mutual connection or group
- A project or achievement
For example, you could say, “Hey Sarah, I saw your post about AI in marketing. Your point about personalization really stuck with me.”
Personalized audio messages make you sound relevant, and they give the person receiving the voice note a reason to keep listening.
2. Staying under 60 seconds
LinkedIn voice notes max out at 60 seconds, but shorter is better. Aim for 30–45 seconds to respect your listener’s time and keep their attention.
Structure your message like this:
| Part: | Example: |
|---|---|
| Greeting | “Hey Jamie,” |
| Personal reference | “Saw your post about scaling outbound teams…” |
| Value statement | “I help SDRs cut manual prospecting time in half…” |
| Next step | “Curious if that’s something you’re exploring, at all?” |
3. Following up with a short text
Many people miss voice messages simply because they don’t check LinkedIn every day. A quick follow-up message boosts your chances of being heard.
Try sending a message like:
- “Just sent you a quick voice note about your recent post. Curious to hear your thoughts!”
- “Left you a voice message about our mutual connection with [Name].”
- “Sent a voice note earlier, thought it might be easier than typing it all out.”
These short reminders create curiosity without pressure. They also add helpful context for why you chose to send a voice message in the first place.
4. Timing your outreach strategically
When you send a voice message matters just as much as what you say. LinkedIn activity spikes at certain times, and sending your message then can mean the difference between being heard or ignored.
Here are some of the best (and worst) times to reach out:
- Days: Tuesday to Thursday
- Times: 9:00–11:00 AM (in the recipient’s time zone)
- Avoid: Weekends, late nights, and early mornings
If you send voice messages during core business hours, then you’re more likely to be seen (and heard) while people are actively checking LinkedIn.
The VOICE framework for maximum impact
Want to sound natural, not scripted? Use the VOICE method to structure a good LinkedIn voice message that feel personal and clear, without any rambling.
V – Verify the connection: Start with their name and how you’re connected.
O – Observe their content: Mention something specific they’ve shared or done recently.
I – Inject personality: Be yourself, and let your tone and enthusiasm come through.
C – Connect to value: Briefly explain how you can help or why you’re reaching out.
E – End with a question: Wrap up with a simple, easy-to-answer question.
VOICE message example:
“Hey Sarah, we connected after the MarTech conference last week. I saw your post about AI personalization, and I loved your take on keeping it human. I work with marketing teams facing that exact challenge: scaling outreach without losing authenticity. Would you be open to a quick chat about what’s working for you right now?”
How to automate LinkedIn voice messaging responsibly
You can’t automate your actual voice (sorry)! But you can automate everything leading up to it, and what happens after.
PhantomBuster helps with the parts of outreach that slow you down. Like finding your target audience, gathering context, and keeping track of responses. That way, your time goes into what really matters, which is sending thoughtful, personal voice notes.
Here’s how automation supports your voice messaging and outreach efforts:
- Find the right people: Build precise prospect lists based on role, activity, or shared interests.
- Connect with them: Send a connection request to enable LinkedIn voice notes.
- Prepare with context: Pull in key profile details so your messages feel tailored, not templated.
- Track responses: Monitor opens, replies, and engagement to know when (and how) to follow up.
The ultimate goal is to use automation to stay organized, so that your voice can stay personal.
Common voice message mistakes (and how to fix them)
Even with the right intentions, voice messages can fall flat if you make these common mistakes. Here’s what to do instead:
| Pitfall | Solution |
|---|---|
| Sounding scripted | Speak naturally, like you’re talking to a colleague. Skip the word-for-word script. |
| Poor audio quality | Find a quiet spot. Hold your device microphone close (but not too close) for clear sound. |
| Rambling messages | Know your point before hitting record. Keep each message focused on one topic. |
| Missing personalization | Mention something specific about the recipient in the first 10 seconds. |
| No clear next step | End with a simple question or suggestion for what happens next. |
Remember, even small tweaks here can boost your chances of getting replies.
Moving forward with your high-response voice outreach
LinkedIn voice messaging helps you stand out in busy inboxes. Used well, it adds a more personal connection that text messages often miss. Using your voice adds clarity, too, helping you to break down complex ideas.
To start building voice messaging into your outreach routine:
- Begin with 3–5 voice messages per day.
- Track what gets replies and refine your approach.
- Use tools like PhantomBuster to find and research the right people.
A simple voice messaging checklist
- Use the LinkedIn mobile app.
- Research the person before recording.
- Keep messages under 45 seconds.
- Personalize within the first 10 seconds.
- End with a clear question or next step.
- Follow up with a text after 2–3 days if there’s no response.
Over time, this becomes second nature, and each new conversation will feel more natural, human, and engaging.
FAQs about LinkedIn voice messaging
How do I know if someone listened to my LinkedIn voice message?
LinkedIn doesn’t show if someone played your voice message. Watch for indirect signals like profile views, replies, or connection activity to see whether they listened.
Can I send LinkedIn voice messages to people I’m not connected with?
No. Voice messages can only be sent to first-degree connections. You’ll need to connect first before recording a message.
How can I practice my LinkedIn voice messages before sending them?
There’s no preview or draft option. Use your phone’s voice memo app to rehearse your message before recording it on LinkedIn.
Do LinkedIn voice messages work on desktop computers?
You can listen to them on desktop, but you can only record and send voice notes using the LinkedIn mobile app (iOS or Android).
What should I do if my LinkedIn voice messages aren’t getting responses?
Check if your message is too long, too vague, or lacks personalization. Follow up with a short text message after a day or two, and try sending future messages during weekday mornings for better visibility.
Plus, you can use automation tools like PhantomBuster to find the right people, and get to know them better before reaching out.
